Metal working machine or the like having adjustable bearing assemblies between relatively movable parts

ABSTRACT

A machine having relatively movable parts with antifriction bearing assemblies located between the moving parts. The antifriction bearing assemblies are adjustably mounted by double wedge means whereby the proper amount of preload on the bearing assemblies can be readily obtained. In addition to the double wedge adjustment, the bearing assemblies can also be mounted so as to rock or tilt, within limits, to then thereby adapt themselves between the relatively moving parts to accommodate any misalignment and to facilitate assembly of the relatively movable parts.

U United States Patent [111 3,

[72] lnventor Charles A. Larsen [56] References Ci d 33 2" UNITED STATESPATENTS 21 A L No. 22; Filifd Apr. 11,1969 ,245,731 4/1966 Erikson308/6C [45] Patented Feb. 23, 1971 Primary ExaminerFred C. Mattern, Jr.[73] Assignee Gortou Machine Corporation ASSZSZGHI Exammer- F rank SuskoRacine, Wis. Attorne v.lames E. Nilles METAL WORKING MACHINE OR THE LIKEABSTRACT: A machine having relatively movable parts with HAVINGADJUSTABLE BEARING ASSEMBLIES antifriction bearing assemblies locatedbetween the movin g BETWEEN Q Y MOVABLE PARTS parts. The antifrictionbearing assemblies are adjustably 8 clalms4 Drawmg mounted by doublewedge means whereby the proper amount [52] US. Cl 90/14, of preload onthe bearing assemblies can be readily obtained 308/6 In addition to thedouble wedge adjustment, the bearing as- [51] lnt.Cl B23c l/00, sembliescan also be mounted so as to rock or tilt, within F16c 29/06 limits, tothen thereby adapt themselves between the relatively [50] Field ofSearch 308/6, moving parts to accommodate any misalignment and to (GA);90/14 facilitate assembly of the relatively movable parts.

PATENTED FEB23 um SHEET 1 OF 2 PATENTEDFEBZSIBYI 7 3.564870 SHEET 2 OF 2Jan artful; fiar/es Yam METAL WORKING MACHINE OR LIKE HAVING ADJUSTABLEBEARING ASSEMBLIES BETWEEN RELATIVELY MOVABLE PARTS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The invention pertains to metal working machines or the likewhich have saddles or work carrying tables that are slideable onprecisely finished ways so as to move the work piece relative to thetool. Such machines also have a vertically movable head which carries atool spindle. Various antifriction bearing devices have been proposedfor mounting these moving parts to thereby carry the considerable loadimposed on them, and to provide smooth and accurate movement.

Conventional bearing assemblies have been used for so mounting thesesaddles, tables, or heads, and an example of such a bearing assembly isshown in the US. Pat. No. 3,003,828, issued Oct. 10, 1961.

While these prior art devices have been satisfactory in many respects,the use of such bearing assemblies has had some shortcomings, forexample, the inability to be able to precisely adjust the bearingassembly between the parts so as to insure precise movement of themovable part. lt-has also been difficult in these prior devices to beable to quickly and accurately measure the amount of preload-placed onthese bearing assemblies, due for one thing, to the lack of space toobtain such an adjustment. Furthermore, these bearing assemblies havebeen difficult to properly install betwee'nthe relatively movable partsso that any misalignment between the parts could be provided for, and ithas been difficult toassemble these parts and keep the bearing assemblyin its proper position while doing so.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a machine havingrelatively movable parts and in which antifriction bearing assembliesare provided between the parts, these bearing assemblies being mountedby double wedge adjustment means. The arrangement is such that thebearing assembly can be accurately adjusted between the parts toeliminate any play therebetween, and also to preload the bearingassemblies with the desired amount of loading. A more specific aspect ofthe invention relates to the use of cap bolts or the like at one end ofone of the double wedge members, whereby the torque necessary, appliedby the tightening wrench, together with the mechanical advantage derivedfrom the double wedge adjustment can be calculated into terms of properpreload on the hearing assembly. These cap bolts are accessible from theoutside of the machine.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the mounting of a bearingassembly in a machine tool by means of a double wedge adjustment and inaddition, the bearing assembly is mounted in such a manner that it cantilt to a certain extent and thereby accommodate any misalignment orplay between the relatively movable parts. This aspect of the inventionis particularly desirable in mounting a vertically movable spindlecarrying head on vertical ways, where the spindle axis must be adjustedto a perpendicular position relative to the table.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appearhereinafter as this disclosure progresses, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS of a bearing assembly; and

' FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4 4 in FIG. 2.

, DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIM ENT The machine in general includesamain frame F having a bed B with horizontal ways W on which the saddleS reciprocates. A work holding table T is reciprocably mounted in atransverse direction on ways W1 of the saddle. A head H is also providedfor vertical movement along vertical ways W2 to carry the tool spindleTS toward and away from the work on the table.

This general arrangement of parts is conventional and it is importantthat the relatively movable parts can move positively and with precisionand furthermore, with a minimum amount of friction.

Bearing assemblies BA are provided between the table and the saddle waysW1, between the saddle and bed ways W, and also between the head and thevertical ways W2.

Fourteen such bearing assemblies are provided between the saddle and thebed, eight of these assemblies being mounted in vertically opposed pairson the two outer ways so that six assemblies, two on each of the threeways, carry the weight of the saddle in a downward direction and fourassemblies are located underneath the two outer ways so as to take anyupward thrust on the saddle.

Furthermore, four bearing assemblies are mounted in opposing pairs onthe side of the center way to prevent the saddle from twisting.

Ten of these assemblies are disposed between the table and the saddle,two pairs being opposed horizontally to prevent horizontal twisting ofthe table.

As these hearings are all mounted in a similar manner, only one of themwill be described and particular reference will now be made to themounting shown in FIG. 4.

The bearing assembly has a series of hardened, steel rollers l which areadapted to travel in an endless path. These rollers protrude slightlyfrom one side of the assembly so as to rest directly on the smooth andaccurately finished adjacent ways. The other side 2 of the assembly isflush, that is to say, the rollers do not protrude above it, and isadapted to be rigidly secured to a wedge 7 by means of cap screws 8. Ifa further description of the bearing assembly itself is deemed to beeither necessary or desirable, reference may be had to the said U.S.Pat. No. 3,003,828. However, it is believed sufficient to say forpurposes of this disclosure that these bearing assemblies are capable ofcarrying extreme loads and in a comparatively frictionless manner.

In accordance with the present invention, the bearing assemblies BAareeach mounted by a pair of wedges 7 and 9 which have oppositely facing,inclined surfaces 7a and 90, that can he slid against one another tovary the height of the combined wedge. As mentioned, wedge 7 is rigidlysecured to the flush side of the bearing assemblies BA and this wedgemember has a protruding portion 7b against which one end of the bearingassembly firmly abuts. The other wedge 9 bears against the table T orother relatively movable part, and is rigidly but detachably locatedbetween a fixed pin 11 at one end and an adjustable set screw 12engaging the other end of the wedge.

Referring again to the wedge 7, a locking screw means 14 is threadablyengaged in the-wedge and also extends through a counter-bore hole 15 inthe part on which the assembly is mounted. An adjusting screw 16 alsoextends through the part and abuts against the end of the wedge 7. Inthis manner, one of the wedges 9 is rigidly fixed in position againstthe part and can be readily removed by loosening the set screw 12. Theother wedge 7 can be readily adjusted in a longitudinal direction alongthe length of the adjacent wedge 9, carrying with it the bearingassembly BA. This adjustment can be accurately made by the adjustingscrew 16 and after the adjustment the wedge is locked in place bytightening the cap screw 14.

In this manner, the space between the table or other movable part andthe way of the relatively stationary part can be accommodated by beingable to vary the thickness of the combined wedges and consequently, thepressure placed on the bearing assembly. That is to say. the amount ofpreload on the antifriction bearing assembly can be determined by thetorque wrench (not shown) which is used to tighten the adjusting screwl6. The mechanical advantage of the double wedge is known and thisadvantage together with the torque reading of the wrench can be used todetermine the amount of load which is desired to be placed on thebearing assembly. The outer end of the adjusting screw 16, which isadapted to receive the torque wrench is exposed to the outside of themachine for easy access by the wrench.

The entire bearing assembly and wedge arrangement can be readily removedfor cleaning, repair, or replacement, and the preload adjustment can bereadily and accurately made.

FIG. 3 MODlFlCATlON Referring now to the embodiment of the invention asshown in FIG. 3, which is particularly desirable in a vertically movablepart such as a spindle head, and the disposition of these assemblies isshown in FIG. 1. Twelve assemblies are provided, arranged in four setsof three assemblies which embrace the vertical ways on three sides.These bearing mountings are generally the same as shown in FIG. 4, withthe exception that additional means, to be described, are provided forpermitting the bearing assembly to tilt, that is to say, to change itsangular position slightly relative to the adjacent parts. This tiltingof the bearing assembly permits the spindle on the head to be accuratelyadjusted at a precise right angle to the table, and at the same timeprecise preloading of the assembly can be obtained. The bearing assemblyBA is secured to a hardened, steel plate by means of screws 21 and anarcuate piece 22 is secured to the plate 20 by screw means 23. Thisarcuate piece is mounted centrally along the length of the bearingassembly BA and sets in a complementary shaped arcuate recess 25 that isformed in the surface ofthe wedge 7.

With this arrangement, the bearing assembly together with the plate 20on which it is mounted can tilt in the head and within limits, so thatthe rollers of the bearing assembly lay properly against the adjacentways W2, after the spindle has been precisely adjusted at a right angleto the table by shifting one end of the head toward or away from itsways.

The plate 20 carries a wiper removable seal which not only keeps foreignmatter from the bearings, but also acts to aid in the assembly of thehead on the ways W2 by first contacting the ways as the head is slidthereon, thus helping to keep the bearing assembly properly positionedwhile the head is being assembled on the vertical ways.

RESUME By means of the present invention, a mounting for a bearingassembly hasbeen provided between relatively moving parts of a machine,and this mounting can be readily and accurately adjusted to apredetermined load limit of the bearing assembly. Furthermore,,thebearing assembly can be mounted on such a double wedge adjustment and isalso able to tilt to not only accommodate any production or assemblyinaccuracies between the relatively movable parts, but also tofacilitate adjustment and alignment between the parts.

lclaim:

l. A machine comprising, two relatively moving parts, an antifrictionbearing assembly between said parts and having rollers engageable withone part for rolling thereon, adjustable means for rigidly mounting saidassembly to the other part, said adjustable means comprising, apairofwedges which are in engagement with and slideable relative to oneanother, one wedge being rigidly secured to said other part, the otherwedge being rigidly secured to said bearing assembly, adjusting meansbetween said other part and said other wedge, whereby said other wedgeand its bearing assembly can be adjusted'relative to said one wedge,said adjusting means comprising a set screw mounted in said other partand threadably engaged in one end of said other wedge, said set screwhaving a head adapted to receive a torque wrench, said head beingexposed at the outside of said machine for engagement by said wrench,and means including a fixed pin at one end of said one wedge and anadjusting screw at the other end of said one wedge for detachably andrigidly securing said one wedge to said other part.

2. A metal working machine comprising, a stationary part and a movablepart for movement adjacent and relative to said stationary part, anantifriction bearing assembly located between said parts and mounted onsaid movable part and having rollers engageable with said stationarypart for rolling thereon, a pair of wedges each having an inclinedsurface which are in engagement with and slideable relative to oneanother, one wedge being rigidly but detachably secured to said movablepart, the other wedge having means for being rigidly but detachablysecured to said bearing assembly, and adjusting means between saidmovable part and said other wedge and comprising a set screw mounted insaid other part and threadably engaged in one end of said other wedge,said set screw having a head adapted to receive a torque wrench, saidhead being exposed at the outside of said machine for engagement by saidwrench, whereby the said other wedge and its bearing assembly can beadjusted relative to said one wedge, whereby the loading on said bearingassembly between said parts can be varied.

3. A machine comprising, two relatively moving parts, an antifrictionbearing assembly between said parts and having rollers along one sidewhich are engageable with one part for rolling thereon, said assemblyhaving an arcuate piece secured to its other side, adjustable means forrigidly mounting said assembly to the other part, said adjustable meanscomprising, a pair of wedges in engagement with and slideable relativeto one another and for tiltably mounting said assembly to said otherpart, one wedge being rigidly but detachably secured to said other part,the other wedge having an arcuate recess therein which is complementaryto and receives said arcuate piece for tiltably supporting said bearingassembly relative to said other part, and adjusting means between saidother part and said other wedge whereby the latter and its bearingassembly can be adjusted relative to said one wedge to vary the loadingon said bearing assembly between said relatively movable parts.

4. The arrangement set forth in claim 3 further characterized in thatsaid adjusting means comprises a set screw mounted in said other partand threadably engaged in one end of said other wedge.

5. The device of claim 4 further characterized in that said set screwhas a head adapted to receive a torque wrench, said head being exposedto the outside of said machine for engagement by said wrench.

6. A metal working machine comprising, main frame having vertical ways,a head mounted on said ways for vertical movement, said head having atool carrying spindle, an antifriction bearing assembly between saidways and said head and having rollers along one side which areengageable with said ways for rolling therealong, said assembly havingan arcuate piece secured to its other side, adjustable means for rigidlymounting said assembly to said head, said adjustable meanscomprising, apair of wedges in engagement with and slideable relative to one anotherand for tiltably mounting said head to said ways, one wedge beingrigidly but detachably secured to said head, the other wedge having anarcuate recess therein which is complementary. to and receives saidarcuate piece for tiltably supporting said bearing assembly, andadjusting means between said head and said other wedge whereby thelatter and its bearing assembly can be adjusted relative to said onewedge to vary the loading on said bearing assembly between said head andways.

7. The arrangement set forth in claim 6 further characterized in thatsaid adjusting means comprises a set screw mounted in said other partand threadably engaged in one end of said other wedge.

8. The device of claim 7 further characterized in that said set screwhas a head adapted to receive a torque wrench, said ment by said wrench.

1. A machine comprising, two relatively moving parts, an antifrictionbearing assembly between said parts and having rollers engageable witHone part for rolling thereon, adjustable means for rigidly mounting saidassembly to the other part, said adjustable means comprising, a pair ofwedges which are in engagement with and slideable relative to oneanother, one wedge being rigidly secured to said other part, the otherwedge being rigidly secured to said bearing assembly, adjusting meansbetween said other part and said other wedge, whereby said other wedgeand its bearing assembly can be adjusted relative to said one wedge,said adjusting means comprising a set screw mounted in said other partand threadably engaged in one end of said other wedge, said set screwhaving a head adapted to receive a torque wrench, said head beingexposed at the outside of said machine for engagement by said wrench,and means including a fixed pin at one end of said one wedge and anadjusting screw at the other end of said one wedge for detachably andrigidly securing said one wedge to said other part.
 2. A metal workingmachine comprising, a stationary part and a movable part for movementadjacent and relative to said stationary part, an antifriction bearingassembly located between said parts and mounted on said movable part andhaving rollers engageable with said stationary part for rolling thereon,a pair of wedges each having an inclined surface which are in engagementwith and slideable relative to one another, one wedge being rigidly butdetachably secured to said movable part, the other wedge having meansfor being rigidly but detachably secured to said bearing assembly, andadjusting means between said movable part and said other wedge andcomprising a set screw mounted in said other part and threadably engagedin one end of said other wedge, said set screw having a head adapted toreceive a torque wrench, said head being exposed at the outside of saidmachine for engagement by said wrench, whereby the said other wedge andits bearing assembly can be adjusted relative to said one wedge, wherebythe loading on said bearing assembly between said parts can be varied.3. A machine comprising, two relatively moving parts, an antifrictionbearing assembly between said parts and having rollers along one sidewhich are engageable with one part for rolling thereon, said assemblyhaving an arcuate piece secured to its other side, adjustable means forrigidly mounting said assembly to the other part, said adjustable meanscomprising, a pair of wedges in engagement with and slideable relativeto one another and for tiltably mounting said assembly to said otherpart, one wedge being rigidly but detachably secured to said other part,the other wedge having an arcuate recess therein which is complementaryto and receives said arcuate piece for tiltably supporting said bearingassembly relative to said other part, and adjusting means between saidother part and said other wedge whereby the latter and its bearingassembly can be adjusted relative to said one wedge to vary the loadingon said bearing assembly between said relatively movable parts.
 4. Thearrangement set forth in claim 3 further characterized in that saidadjusting means comprises a set screw mounted in said other part andthreadably engaged in one end of said other wedge.
 5. The device ofclaim 4 further characterized in that said set screw has a head adaptedto receive a torque wrench, said head being exposed to the outside ofsaid machine for engagement by said wrench.
 6. A metal working machinecomprising, main frame having vertical ways, a head mounted on said waysfor vertical movement, said head having a tool carrying spindle, anantifriction bearing assembly between said ways and said head and havingrollers along one side which are engageable with said ways for rollingtherealong, said assembly having an arcuate piece secured to its otherside, adjustable means for rigidly mounting said assembly to said head,said adjustable means comprising, a pair of wedges in engagement withand slideable relative to one another and for tiltably mounting saidhead tO said ways, one wedge being rigidly but detachably secured tosaid head, the other wedge having an arcuate recess therein which iscomplementary to and receives said arcuate piece for tiltably supportingsaid bearing assembly, and adjusting means between said head and saidother wedge whereby the latter and its bearing assembly can be adjustedrelative to said one wedge to vary the loading on said bearing assemblybetween said head and ways.
 7. The arrangement set forth in claim 6further characterized in that said adjusting means comprises a set screwmounted in said other part and threadably engaged in one end of saidother wedge.
 8. The device of claim 7 further characterized in that saidset screw has a head adapted to receive a torque wrench, said head beingexposed at the outside of said machine for engagement by said wrench.